Island proposes 'more affordable' net zero pathway

The States will review the net zero pathway every seven years as technology improves

Guernsey could save money if a new approach for the island to reach net zero is approved, a government committee has said.

Environment and Infrastructure (E&I) said its new approach, which involved reviewing the pathway every seven years, was "pragmatic, realistic and significantly more affordable" than the current system.

E&I president Lindsay de Sausmarez said Guernsey could "get close to net zero, but not reach it" by 2050 with existing technology.

She added "there is a lot of innovation going on" and the proposal to review every seven years meant they could "make the most of advances that might benefit Guernsey".

'Readily actionable'

The proposals would not need extra funding, de Sausmarez said.

E&I said efficiency improvements from net zero could save the island £125m every year by 2050, as well as stimulating the economy and attracting green business to the island.

If approved, the first seven-year cycle would focus on "readily actionable" areas such as building and transport as well as introducing Energy Performance Certificates, it said.

De Sausmarez added: "We're keen to keep the momentum up so we can deliver savings and wider benefits as soon as possible."